ICC T20 World Cup 2026: All Teams Preview – Squad Analysis, Strengths, Weaknesses & Best XI

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most open, dramatic tournaments fans ever prepared for. Established giants arrive with reputations to protect, emerging sides carry belief from recent upsets, and almost every squad boasts match- winners capable of flipping a contest in a handful of deliveries.

As fans, we at Vi love this stage of the build-up. We pore over selections, debate combinations, imagine tactical tweaks, and try to predict which XI best fits the conditions and the pressure. So, here’s our complete team-by-team preview: full squads, how they stack up, their key strengths, where they might stumble, and the starting line-ups we feel offer the best balance. Let’s get started!

India

Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

India comes loaded with intent. With Suryakumar Yadav in charge, we expect audacity, innovation, and relentless tempo. The batting has variety: left-right options at the top, players who can rebuild, and outrageous finishers. The spin cupboard is overflowing, allowing match-up cricket depending on the venue. The challenge will be choosing who sits out, not who plays.

Strength: Deepest batting pool in the tournament, elite death bowling through Bumrah, and multiple spin styles that allow tactical adaptability across surfaces.

Weakness: High-risk batting approach can trigger collapses; constant rotation might prevent a settled rhythm if early matches go wrong.

Probable XI:

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakravarthy.

USA

Squad: Monank Patel (c), Ehsan Adil, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.

USA’s growth in global cricket has been impressive, and this squad reflects strong domestic development mixed with international exposure. Monank’s calm leadership anchors a batting unit that prefers structured chases, while their seamers bring experience from leagues worldwide. If they can create early breakthroughs and avoid scoreboard pressure, they’re capable of springing surprises against bigger names.

Strength: Varied pace attack, experienced campaigners in key roles, and improving tactical awareness in tight finishes.

Weakness: Limited exposure to elite bowling at the death; middle-order acceleration sometimes stalls.

Probable XI:

Monank Patel, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk.

Namibia

Squad: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt, Dylan Leicher, WP Myburgh, Max Heingo.

Namibia thrives on clarity of roles. Erasmus is their spiritual and tactical centre, Smit and Frylinck deliver with both bat and ball, and their left-arm seam options often unsettle fancied teams. They don’t rely purely on power; they grind, squeeze, and capitalise on mistakes. That identity makes them awkward opponents in group stages where nerves run high.

Strength: Excellent team chemistry, multiple seam-bowling all-rounders, and leaders who remain calm under pressure.

Weakness: Heavy dependence on a few senior players; lack of explosive depth if early wickets fall.

Probable XI

Zane Green, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, WP Myburgh, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, JC Balt

Netherlands

Squad: Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O'Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.

The Dutch have made giant strides by blending analytics with fearless cricket. Edwards is inventive, van der Merwe provides genuine star quality, and their seam attack thrives on discipline. They’re brilliant at reading conditions and adjusting totals. If matches slow down, they become even more dangerous.

Strength: Smart tactical unit, strong seam depth, and adaptable batters comfortable with rebuilds.

Weakness: Can lack late-innings brute force against top-tier death specialists.

Probable XI:

Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards, Bas de Leede, Roelof van der Merwe, Saqib Zulfiqar, Kyle Klein, Fred Klaassen, Logan van Beek, Paul van Meekeren

Pakistan

Squad: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

Pakistan comes into this year’s tournament with a renewed squad. Their pace battery is frightening, their top order carries pedigree, and when rhythm arrives, they can blow teams away. Agha’s leadership signals a slightly fresh direction, perhaps with greater flexibility in batting roles. But their fate may hinge on whether the middle order can maintain tempo between overs seven and fifteen.

Strength: Unplayable fast bowling, experienced match-winners, huge confidence in defending totals.

Weakness: Batting can stagnate mid-innings; over-reliance on star openers.

Probable XI:

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf.

Australia

Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia rarely overcomplicates T20 tournaments. They back power, trust experience, and lean into match temperament. Travis Head sets brutal tempo, Maxwell changes games in minutes, and their seamers excel at defending par scores. If surfaces demand craft, Zampa becomes central.

Strength: Fearless hitters across the order, superb finishing power, proven big-event temperament.

Weakness: Spin depth beyond Zampa can look thin on turning tracks.

Probable XI:

Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis

Sri Lanka

Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Wanindu Hasaranga.

Sri Lanka’s unpredictability makes it riveting. They blend classical top-order play with daring finishers, while their spin resources allow them to dictate tempo. Hasaranga and Theekshana together can suffocate chases. Their concern is early stability with the bat.

Strength: World-class spin, unique bowling actions, and batters comfortable counterattacking.

Weakness: Top-order inconsistency can expose the middle too early.

Probable XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan

Zimbabwe

Squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.

Zimbabwe always brings heart. Raza is inspirational, Burl is destructive, and their tall quicks can hurry opponents. If they get belief early in the tournament, momentum can carry them far beyond predictions.

Strength: Multi-skilled senior core, serious new-ball threat, fearless approach in chases.

Weakness: Depth after first-choice players remains uncertain.

Probable XI:

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Bradley Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer

Ireland

Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

Ireland’s white-ball evolution has been built on aggression. Stirling sets the tone, Tucker accelerates, and Little offers genuine bite with the ball. They’re increasingly confident chasing bigger totals, which makes them dangerous.

Strength: Explosive top order, quality left-arm pace, growing belief against full members.

Weakness: Finishing discipline can waver in tight endings.

Probable XI:

Paul Stirling, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Matthew Humphreys

Oman

Squad: Jatinder Singh (c), Vinayak Shukla, Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Shah Faisal, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedara, Jiten Ramanandi, Aamir Kaleem.

Oman prides itself on discipline. They don’t gift wickets; they rely on partnerships, and their spinners keep games alive. Upsets usually come when opponents grow impatient.

Strength: Experienced core, tidy spin, structured batting approach.

Weakness: Limited late-overs acceleration.

Probable XI:

Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Mohammad Nadeem, Wasim Ali, Aamir Kaleem, Karan Sonavale, Sufyan Mehmood, Shakeel Ahmad, Nadeem Khan, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan

England

Squad: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.

England’s philosophy remains simple: attack, then attack some more. Brook’s captaincy ushers in a fearless generation, yet Buttler, Rashid, and Archer provide the experience. Their batting depth means no target feels impossible.

Strength: Extraordinary white-ball depth, multiple match-winners, elite leg-spin control.

Weakness: Injury management among fast bowlers could disrupt continuity.

Probable XI:

Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed

West Indies

Squad: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.

The Caribbean blueprint is familiar: muscle, charisma, and pace. Yet this group also carries greater tactical maturity. Hope stabilises, Powell and Hetmyer explode, and their quicks hunt wickets rather than containment.

Strength: Devastating boundary hitters, varied pace attack, improved balance.

Weakness: Consistency from match to match.

Probable XI:

Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

Italy

Squad: Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge Kalugamage, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.

Italy enters with experienced names who’ve played high-level cricket elsewhere. Madsen and Smuts lend authority, while younger players add energy. They’ll aim to stay competitive deep into games and capitalise on nerves.

Strength: Leadership experience, multi-dimensional all-rounders.

Weakness: Limited exposure against elite pace.

Probable XI:

Marcus Campopiano, Wayne Madsen, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Harry Manenti, Benjamin Manenti, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Justin Mosca, JaspreetSingh

Nepal

Squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam.

Nepal’s rise has energised global cricket. They play with joy, take bold options, and their spin attack can compete with anyone. Airee’s finishing skills are widely admired.

Strength: High-quality spin, fearless batting, passionate support.

Weakness: Managing elite pace in powerplays.

Probable XI:

Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sundeep Jora, Gulshan Jha, Sher Malla, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Lokesh Bam

Scotland

Squad: Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal.

Scotland is never overawed. They play smart cricket, maximise resources, and thrive on collective responsibility. Munsey’s starts often dictate outcomes.

Strength: Cohesion, clarity of roles, dependable spin.

Weakness: May lack brutal finishing against top attacks.

Probable XI:

George Munsey, Michael Jones, Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Brandon McMullen, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Bradley Wheal, Bradley Currie

Africa

Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.

Few sides can match South Africa’s resources. Power at the top, dynamism in the middle, and a battery of fast bowlers who attack relentlessly. If confidence flows, they’re title material. The double super-over that they played against Sri Lanka in this tournament was a spectacle in itself.

Strength: Outstanding pace depth, explosive middle order.

Weakness: Pressure moments in knockouts.

Probable XI:

Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand

Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie.

New Zealand excels through preparation. They read match situations superbly, rarely panic, and possess quiet match-winners in every department. Phillips can change games instantly.

Strength: Tactical intelligence, balanced attack, reliable fielding.

Weakness: Can start cautiously with the bat.

Probable XI:

Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson

Afghanistan

Squad: Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Afghanistan’s spin cartel remains legendary, but their batting has matured too. Gurbaz and Ibrahim provide solidity, Naib offers wisdom, and Rashid leads with aggression.

Strength: World-class spin, improving top order.

Weakness: Handling massive chases.

Probable XI:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sediqullah Atal

Canada

Squad: Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jaskarandeep Singh, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Shreyas Movva, Yuvraj Samra.

Canada’s resurgence has been fuelled by a strong batting nucleus. Kirton and Dhaliwal anchor innings, while their bowlers rely on discipline rather than mystery.

Strength: Stable top order, improving fielding standards

Weakness: Death-overs penetration.

Probable XI:

Navneet Dhaliwal, Dilpreet Bajwa, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva, Harsh Thaker, Ajayveer Hundal, Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heyliger, Kaleem Sana, Shivam Sharma, Yuvraj Samra.

UAE

Squad: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Farooq, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.

The UAE are bold starters. Waseem’s aggression can rattle opponents early, and their bowlers hunt for breakthroughs. Sustaining intensity across forty overs remains their mission.

Strength: Rapid powerplay scoring, energetic seam attack.

Weakness: Experience in high-pressure finishes.

Probable

Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Junaid Siddique, Rohid Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan

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Conclusion

What we love most about this World Cup is its unpredictability. Yes, the heavyweights look formidable, but the gap continues to narrow. Strategy, nerve, and adaptability will matter just as much as reputation. With the group stage matches being smoothly underway, we cannot wait to see which teams qualify for the play-offs. We’re ready for surprise packages, breakouts, and matches that swing wildly until the final delivery. We’ll be watching, debating, and celebrating it all together.

To stay ahead of all the action, don’t miss our in-depth India Squad Preview for T20 World Cup 2026: Strengths, Weaknesses & Best Playing XI, and get match-ready with our detailed India vs Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview, Probable Playing XI & Head-to- Head Records your complete guide to the biggest moments of the tournament.